Frequently Asked Questions

Buying or selling a home in South Placer can bring up a lot of questions — and we’re here to make things simple. This page answers the most common questions we hear from local buyers and sellers, so you can feel confident every step of the way.

Do I really need a 20% down payment to buy a home?

This is one of the biggest and most persistent myths in real estate. While a 20% down payment can help you avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), it is not a requirement. There are many excellent loan programs that allow you to put down as little as 3.5% or, in some cases, even 0%. We can connect you with trusted lenders who can explain all your options.

Should I wait for home prices or mortgage rates to drop?

Trying to "time the market" is a strategy that rarely works. The best time to buy is when you are financially and personally ready. Prices and rates are two factors, but they aren't the only ones. We believe in focusing on what you can control: your budget, your goals, and your timeline. We'll help you find the right home for you, based on your needs today.

Why do I need to get pre-approved before I even look at homes?

Getting pre-approved is a critical first step. It's not as exciting as touring homes, but it's essential. A pre-approval letter from a lender shows you exactly how much you can afford, so you're not shopping for homes outside your budget. Just as importantly, it shows sellers you are a serious and credible buyer, which gives you a major advantage when it's time to make an offer.

What makes Jensen Group Realty different from other agents?

We run our business like a business, not a part-time hobby. For us, this is a full-time career, and we dedicate 100% of our energy to being experts in our field. Our team is led by:

-Linda Jensen: With over 24 years of experience, Linda brings a wealth of expertise in marketing, advertising, and sales.

-Scott Martin: A client specialist who has lived in the area for over 35 years and knows the community well.

Both Linda and Scott have earned the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) distinction, a certification that only 1% of realtors nationwide hold, giving our clients a powerful advantage.

What is it like to work with Jensen Group Realty?

We are your trusted partners. Our goal is to earn your trust and become your go-to real estate professionals for life. We do this through:

-Proactive Communication: We keep you informed with reports on our marketing efforts, market changes, and feedback from showings.

-A Proven Process: We use a tech-driven, comprehensive marketing plan to get your home maximum exposure.

-A Satisfaction Guarantee: We're confident in our service. If at any point you are not 100% satisfied with our work, you can cancel your listing anytime. No pressure, just results.

What if I sell my home quickly but can't find one to buy?

This is a common worry, and it's why having a solid strategy is so important. As your partners, we help you navigate this exact situation. We'll discuss all your options, from negotiating a "rent-back" that gives you more time in your current home to identifying replacement properties before we even list. Our goal is to ensure the process is as seamless as possible.

Why can't I just sell my home myself (FSBO)?

It's certainly an option, but in today's complex market, it's more challenging than ever. An experienced agent does more than just put a sign in the yard. We are experts in:

-Strategic Pricing: We'll help you price your home accurately from the start, which is key to attracting the best offers.

-Exposure: Our comprehensive marketing plan (including social media, a custom website, and professional media) ensures your home is seen by the largest possible pool of qualified buyers.

-Negotiation: Our team includes Certified Negotiation Experts (CNEs). We manage the entire negotiation process, from offers to inspection requests, to protect your interests and get you the best possible terms.

-Paperwork: The legal paperwork and disclosures involved in a sale are complex. We manage all the details to ensure a smooth transaction.

Do I really need to "stage" my home?

To get top dollar, your home needs to be presented in its best possible light. This is why we provide a complimentary consultation with a professional home designer and stager. They will provide a checklist of recommendations to ensure your home appeals to the widest range of buyers.

Is it smarter to just keep renting instead of buying?

Renting can feel like the easier option in the short term, but it's often the costlier path over the long term. When you rent, you're paying your landlord's mortgage. When you own, you're investing in your own future. Homeownership is one of the most proven and powerful ways to build lasting, generational wealth.

I'm hesitant to sell and give up my low mortgage rate. Is it still a good time?

That's a very understandable concern. What we find is that most people decide to move based on life events, not just market timing. Whether you need more space, want to downsize, or need to be closer to family, your life's needs are the most important factor. We can help you explore the significant equity you've likely built in your home and how that can power your next move.

Service Areas

Granite Bay

Discover Residential

Find Your Perfect House!

Welcome to Homes By Krista, a top-rated Brentwood realtor focused on helping clients sell their East County Bay area homes efficiently and for top dollar. As experienced Brentwood real estate agents, we understand the importance of effectively marketing properties and pricing them appropriately in order to attract potential buyers.

Buying a home in Brentwood:

Make an offer and seal the deal

All your info is 100% Safe and Secured to us.

Explore the Communities in South Placer I Serve

Find your perfect place to call home across South Placer County and beyond.

From tree-lined streets in Granite Bay to the vibrant energy of Roseville, each community has its own story, and I’m here to help you find the one that fits yours. Explore the neighborhoods I serve to discover local market insights, featured listings, and what makes each area unique. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about your next move, you’ll find everything you need to feel right at home.

Roseville

As Placer County's largest city, Roseville offers a dynamic blend of suburban comfort and urban convenience. It’s a thriving city that caters to every lifestyle, from young professionals to growing families and active adults. Known for its extensive parks and trail systems, including over 90 miles of bike lanes, Roseville is a haven for those who love the outdoors.

The city boasts premier shopping destinations like the Westfield Galleria and the Fountains at Roseville, offering a wide array of retail and dining options. Families are drawn to Roseville for its highly-rated schools, abundance of family-friendly activities, and security

The real estate market is diverse, featuring everything from charming, established neighborhoods to modern developments, ensuring there's a perfect home for every buyer. With its robust economy, excellent amenities, and strong sense of community, Roseville is consistently ranked as one of the best places to move in California.

If you want to sell your Roseville home or are looking for homes for sale or rent in Roseville, CA, feel free to reach out to us. 

Roseville

As Placer County's largest city, Roseville offers a dynamic blend of suburban comfort and urban convenience. It’s a thriving city that caters to every lifestyle, from young professionals to growing families and active adults. Known for its extensive parks and trail systems, including over 90 miles of bike lanes, Roseville is a haven for those who love the outdoors.

The city boasts premier shopping destinations like the Westfield Galleria and the Fountains at Roseville, offering a wide array of retail and dining options. Families are drawn to Roseville for its highly-rated schools, abundance of family-friendly activities, and security

The real estate market is diverse, featuring everything from charming, established neighborhoods to modern developments, ensuring there's a perfect home for every buyer. With its robust economy, excellent amenities, and strong sense of community, Roseville is consistently ranked as one of the best places to move in California.

If you want to sell your Roseville home or are looking for homes for sale or rent in Roseville, CA, feel free to reach out to us. 

Check Out What Our Clients Say About Us!

In dealings with Linda Jensen, I have learned that she has wisdom, honesty, and integrity. When looking for opportunities, problem-solving, decision-making, and negotiating. If you're buying or selling a property, Linda brings a unique, much-appreciated perspective and approach that honors your wishes and just plain works

- Lori P.

Having known Linda Jensen both personally and professionally, I can confidently say she does whatever it takes to get you over the finish line. She is diligent, strategic, and truly enjoys the satisfaction of a job well done. Linda goes above and beyond and won’t stop until your needs are met. I highly recommend her!

- Sherry W.

Scott Martin was so helpful! The qualities I noticed mostly about him are that I felt he truly cared about my needs and what I was looking for. He listened intently and worked hard to check every box. I highly recommend him.

- K. Friedman

Want to be sure you don't miss out on any local tips & local real estate market updates?

Have them delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe to the monthly digital newsletter below!

Credentials most agents don't have -

Results most agents can't repeat.

Certified Negotiator Expert (CNE) — held by less than 3% of agents nationally

26+ years combined experience in real estate, marketing, and advertising

Treelake & Granite Bay micro-market specialists

Eureka Union School District & Granite Bay High School area experts

DRE #01272617

Check Out What Our Clients Say About Us!

Sold for $150,000 over list and $50,000 over appraisal in 1 week end

Experience is a great teacher…and trusting the process of selling our home of 30 years was not negotiable. The Jensen Realty Group far exceeded expectations….and beyond. We knew from our first meeting we had made the right selection for our journey. We trusted in our choice versus the outcome. Linda and her team leveraged their expertise in every phase…and we never felt rushed or uninformed during the process. Five stars are not adequate...

- Gary and Debbie H Granite Bay

Sold for over $31,000 over list price and over 13,973 minutes of watch time on paid ads.

I have utilized a number of real estate agents in my lifetime to sell homes, but I am highly recommending Linda Jensen if you are looking to sell your home. She was on spec with the pricing of my home. She anticipated we would get above asking price, and we did! $50,000 over the next highest offer. Linda and her team staged my home, helped point out minor repairs that needed to be done and held open houses during the right days and time periods that attracted buyers and offers. Linda will take good care of your needs and sell your home in today’s competitive market.

- Scott J Granite Bay

Linda Jensen & Scott Martin

DRE #02188671, #02188680

Jensen Group Realty

Real Brokerage #02022092

Contact Us On:

© All Rights Reserved. - 2026

Linda Jensen & Scott Martin

Jensen Group Realty

© All Rights Reserved. - 2025

DRE #02168871, #02188680

Linda Jensen & Scott Martin

DRE #02188671, #02188680

Jensen Group Realty

Real Brokerage #02022092

© All Rights Reserved. - 2026